The Hoptician, Dursley, has been crowned CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2026 after fighting off the best in the UK including a former champion.
This impressive achievement is even more remarkable as the pub has only been open for two years. In that time, licensees Kirsty and Kevin Farmer have carved out a space for cider lovers with their extensive range reaching up to 20 options at times.
After a tour of the UK’s best micropubs, Kevin and Kirsty decided to take a punt on a former opticians to start their own, despite not knowing exactly where Dursley was.
Their gamble paid off as it’s now thriving as a major community hub with music, DJ, and open-mic nights. They also put on golf outings, weekly charity quiz nights and set up a pub garden in the summer.
The Hop has earned a reputation as the go-to cider place in the area, but they also serve five cask beers and have created a unique pub with walls filled with beer and cider pump clips, cinema seating, old games machine, vintage record player and a welcoming mannequin with a frequently changing attire.
Kirsty said: “We are immensely grateful and honoured to have received such a high accolade after just two and a half years. It really is down to the amazing community in Dursley for all their continued support. We think it’s a privilege to be part of a positive story in the hospitality industry at this time when pubs are closing and struggling."
Award co-ordinator Sarah Newson said: “The four finalists this year were of a very high standard so it was particularly impressive for the Hoptician to be overall winner for 2026 as it only opened in 2024. It provides a showcase for quality real cider and perry with local producers at the forefront. All wrapped up in a lovely quirky style, it's very friendly to all and it is a real asset to the local community where it is much appreciated and very popular.”
